Comets make an impact in Vienna with cutting-edge research

Vienna is a hotspot for cutting-edge applied research. More than 200 scientists here work in so-called COMET centres, finding solutions for key issues of the future – from blockchain and bioproduction to information security, digitalisation and visual computing. In these large research networks, universities, companies and international partners work closely together. Their goal: to conduct research not only for theoretical purposes, but also to develop concrete innovations that will strengthen the economy and society in the long term. In 2025, the Vienna Business Agency funded COMET projects with Viennese participation with around 4.4 million euros.

Research for climate adaptation and cyber security in Vienna

At the Vienna COMET centre VRVis Centre for Virtual Reality and Visualisation, experts are working on making complex data visible and usable. One of their developments is software that can simulate flood scenarios within seconds. This enables authorities to quickly identify which regions are at risk in acute situations – and which protective measures would be most effective.

Digital security is also one of the major research topics in Vienna. The SBA Research centre is considered Austria's largest institution for information security. It is working on methods to protect IT infrastructures, critical systems and data from cyber-attacks.

Research across provincial borders

The Viennese research landscape is closely linked with partners throughout Austria. For example, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna is working on sustainable solutions for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and the chemical industry at the ACIB – Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology COMET centre. One of their projects enables the production of sterile laboratory equipment from biodegradable materials using 3D printing technology.

Another example is the Austrian Centre for Water Analysis. Under the leadership of BOKU, research teams are working with industry partners such as Donau Chemie and Graz University of Technology to develop a mobile laboratory for analysing drinking water quality along the Danube. The increasing pressure on water supplies, including in Vienna, due to climate change necessitates this kind of research. 

Focus on sustainability, energy and industry

Energy and environmental issues are also at the heart of many projects. Wiener Stadtwerke is cooperating with the BEST (Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies) research centre, which, together with Wien Energie, operates the world's first ‘waste-to-value’ plant, where green fuel is produced from waste materials. At the same time, HyCentA (The Hydrogen Technology Research Centre) is developing new hydrogen technologies.

In industrial production, the COMET centre Chase – Competence Centre for Chemical Engineering – is conducting research into recycling processes and the circular economy in the chemical industry, in collaboration with the Vienna University of Technology and the plastics group Borealis.

Medical innovations and quality of life

The VASCage – Centre on Clinical Stroke Research is central to the health of Vienna's residents. Among other things, it develops solutions for stroke patients, such as new methods for treating swallowing disorders and thus restoring quality of life.

Digital innovation for agriculture

Data science is also playing an increasingly important role. The COMET centre Know‑Center in Graz is working with partners in Vienna on accurate weather forecasts that help farmers avoid frost damage. This is already being used in Viennese viticulture.

Comet centres: a successful model for research funding in Vienna

The Austrian Comet centres are a joint initiative of the federal government and the provinces. COMET competence centres are funded by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy, the participating provinces, and the participating companies and research organisations. Their research activities follow a plan defined jointly by science and industry. The programme is managed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG.

Their approach: to promote long-term cooperation between science and industry, thereby bringing innovations into practice more quickly. This shows that, in Vienna, the future is not only being researched, but also actively shaped – in laboratories, companies and through collaborations that extend far beyond the city.